ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Sjogren’s syndrome

What is sjogren’s syndrome?

4 May 2021

It is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the mucous membranes and the glandular system responsible for the production of saliva and tears, causing oral and ocular dryness.

The direct cause of this disorder is unknown, but certain genes and viral or bacterial infections have been identified that may be triggering the autoimmune reaction typical of this syndrome.

In its initial stage, Sjögren’s syndrome affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, but later it can attack the nervous system, kidneys, liver, thyroid, lungs, and joints.

Although this syndrome can occur at any age, it is more frequent in women over 42 years old, especially when they suffer from a rheumatic disease.

Signs and symptoms Sjogren’s syndrome

  • Swollen salivary glands.
  • Rash.
  • Vaginal dryness.
  • Dry coughing fits.
  • Oral, ocular, and skin dryness. 
  • Swollen, stiff, and painful joints.
  • Exhaustion.

This condition’s most frequent complications include:

  • Vision disorders such as photosensitivity, unfocused vision, and corneal lesions due to dry eyes.
  • Cirrhosis.
  • Dental cavities. 
  • Oral candidiasis. 
  • Lymphoma.
  • Peripheral neuropathy.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Hepatitis.

Diagnosis and treatment Sjogren’s syndrome

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request some tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Diagnostic tests:

  • Blood test
  • Urine test.
  • Eye exam.
  • Imaging studies such as sialogram and scintigraphy.
  • Needle biopsy.

The treatment plan for this condition is established based on the symptoms’ magnitude and the body areas affected. In some cases, only eye drops and hydration are required, while in others drugs and surgery will be necessary.

At the Saludora Medical Center Internal Medicine Department we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, of chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Sjogren’s syndrome

Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • inforeuma.com
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • rheumatology.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Pimienta CI, Camaño CL. Disfunción temporomandibular en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren. Rev Cub de Reu. 2020;22(3):.
  • Moreno-Useche LD, Rangel-Rivera DA, Rangel-Rivera KL, et al. Perfil clínico y sociodemográfico del síndrome de Sjögren en un hospital universitario en Colombia. Med Int Mex. 2021;37(4):520-528.
  • León CC, Quesada AC, Fuentes AF, et al. Síndrome de Sjögren primario y su asociación con desórdenes linfoproliferativos. Rev Clin Esc Med. 2020;10(1):28-35.
  • Boza OYV, Tinoco ME, Guillén CD, et al. Síndrome Sjögren y penfigoide de las membranas mucosas en paciente con antecedente de timoma: Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura. Odovtos-Int J Dent Sc. 2019;21(2):33-44.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the Saludora Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.